Current opinion in pediatrics
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Aug 1994
ReviewFactitious disorders and the psychosomatic continuum in children.
A continuum may be described as spanning between the psychological reactions of children and families to a child's illness, the exaggeration or simulation of symptoms for psychological reasons, and the production of factitious symptoms in the child by the parent. However, there are critical clues that allow the alert clinician to recognize where his patient falls on the continuum. Because factitious disorders are uncommon and Munchausen syndrome by proxy is rare, awareness of psychiatric and clinical signs is important to prevent morbidity or mortality.
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We review new research on childhood pain and trauma. We begin with studies on the expression and measurement of pain, pain management, recurrent abdominal pain, and brief and long-term memory of injury and medical procedures. We then review research on the impact of children's witnessing of pain in others as a result of injury or violence and children's experience of natural and man-made disasters. Finally we consider the links between pain, trauma, and memory and discuss our recommendations for the next steps to be taken.